The Climate Science Alliance’s collaborative proposal, “Catalyzing Connectivity for Tribal Cultural and Community Resilience,” was recently selected as one of the 5 finalists for the Salazar Center’s national Connectivity Challenge. In our final pitch video we shared our vision to promote landscape connectivity by catalyzing actions that integrate cultural values and traditional ecological knowledge to advance tribal community climate resilience.
View the presentation here
In 2019, the Salazar Center for North American Conservation at Colorado State University launched its inaugural Conservation Impact Prize, an $100,000 incentive award designed to fund meaningful change in the field of conservation. Known as the Connectivity Challenge, this prize funds a proposal that drives innovation in landscape connectivity for habitat and community benefit in North America.
The Climate Science Alliance team shared our collaborative proposal with Dr. Megan Jennings, “Catalyzing Connectivity for Tribal Cultural and Community Resilience,” and was selected as one of the 5 finalists for the national Connectivity Challenge - out of 46 applicants from across the nation.
We are excited to share our final pitch video above with all of you.
Catalyzing Connectivity for Tribal Cultural and Community Resilience
Implementing conservation actions that protect and promote landscape connectivity can be difficult, particularly in areas with development opportunities. Even in a region with a history of proactive conservation planning like southern California, prioritizing conservation is challenging, especially for under-resourced communities. Tribal communities are among the most susceptible to the impacts of climate change, yet they are often left out of planning conversations. To address this challenge, we propose a collaborative effort to leverage existing research and catalyze actions that can protect and enhance connectivity and advance tribal resilience. Building on a foundation of connectivity research and a strong stakeholder community, we will explore the integration of western and traditional knowledge to restore and manage connectivity. Through our innovative engagement programs, the outcomes of this research will provide impact and empowerment for partner communities. With this work, we look to change the connectivity and conservation paradigm in southern California and beyond.